Cthulhu Mythos Comicology Tarot (CMC Tarot)

The Cthulhu Mythos Comicology Tarot (CMC Tarot) is a 78-card deck that reinterprets the classic Rider-Waite-Smith system through the lens of H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror. Created by Vermilion Concept, a group of independent artists specializing in Lovecraft-related projects, the deck successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2022. It includes 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, all infused with the eerie aesthetic and monstrous entities of the Cthulhu Mythos.

The deck's imagery draws heavily from Lovecraftian lore, featuring iconic creatures and themes such as Cthulhu, eldritch landscapes, and ancient symbols. Despite its dark thematic overlay, the deck maintains a connection to RWS symbolism, allowing readers familiar with the traditional system to navigate its unique artwork. The campaign also offered various themed add-ons, including metal coins, a pendulum, and a color-foiled Major Arcana set, indicating a focus on collectible quality and immersive experience.

The CMC Tarot is designed for enthusiasts of both tarot and the Cthulhu Mythos, offering a distinct visual and thematic experience. Its detailed illustrations and consistent artistic style create a cohesive world that invites deep engagement. The inclusion of additional themed items in the Collector's Box tier suggests a comprehensive product aimed at dedicated fans looking to expand their collection with unique, thematically rich divination tools.

The artwork is highly detailed and intricate, reminiscent of comic book or graphic novel illustrations, with a strong emphasis on line work and texture. The color palette is rich and varied, often featuring dark, moody backgrounds contrasted with vibrant, sometimes unsettling, hues for the creatures and central figures. The style is consistent across the cards, depicting monstrous entities and arcane symbols within ornate borders that evoke a sense of ancient, forbidden knowledge. The card backs feature a symmetrical, complex design in dark green, further enhancing the mysterious and eldritch theme. The overall visual impression is one of dark fantasy and cosmic horror, executed with a professional, illustrative quality.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers who are also fans of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos and dark fantasy aesthetics. It appeals to collectors seeking unique, themed decks with detailed, comic-book-inspired artwork. Experienced RWS readers will appreciate the familiar structure beneath the new imagery, while those new to tarot but drawn to the theme may find it an engaging entry point, especially if they are comfortable with darker themes.

Vermilion Concept is a collective of independent artists dedicated to creating projects inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. Their focus on the Cthulhu Mythos is evident in the detailed thematic integration of the CMC Tarot, which successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2022. The group's commitment to the Lovecraftian universe is reflected in the consistent artistic vision and the range of themed accessories offered alongside the deck.